After an hour of trying to do what the thrift store guy said to clean the "brass" my house stunk of vinegar and there was salt everywhere, so I realized it probably wasn't brass and I should probably move on. In comes the gold spray paint.

Also, Serena & Lily, I love you but this is what happens to your catalog after you send me the same friggin one 6 months in a row.

Mmm lovely fake brass patina. That white stuff is the salt.

Spray paint is glorious.

Here's the finished product.

Those geode bookends are from TJ Maxx for $5 each.

This chest will live happily ever after right here. Without a Union Jack on top.

The Union Jack idea has been moved to another project I'm in the middle of. Sorry, mom.